Our Righteous Fathers Paul of Thebes and John the Hut-Dweller (Calabyte)
Commemorated January 15
St Paul, first among hermits, was born about 227 AD in the Thebaid of Egypt. In 250 AD, he fled into the wilderness because of the persecution raging at that time under Decius. Having lived a solitary life in a certain cave for 91 years, he reposed in 341 AD, at the age of 114 and was buried by St Anthony the Great, who had been directed their by God several days before the Saint's repose.
St John, who was from Constantinople, was the son of illustrious parents, Eutropios the Senator, and Theodora. At twelve years of age, he departed secretly from his home and went to the Monastery of the Unsleeping. Aflame with longing for his parents, he returned after six years to his father's house in the guise of a pauper and beggar. Living in a small hut at the gates of his parents' house, wherefrom he is called "hut-dweller", he remained unknown therein for many years, and suffered mockery at the hands of those who had been his own servants. Foreknowing his death, he revealed himself to his parents, and within a few moments reposed, about the year 450 AD.
Dismissal Hymn of St Paul (Plagal of Fourth Tone)
With the streams of your tears, you cultivated the barrenness of the desert; and by your sighing from the depths, you beared fruit a hundredfold in labours; and you became a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O Paul our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Dismissal Hymn of St John (Fourth Tone)
Be quick to anticipate
Since you had with fervour longed after the Lord from thy youth, you left the world with its delights and nobly didst strive in valiant ascetic deeds. You pitched you hut before the gates of your parents; you broke the demons' snares, O all-blessed Father. Therefore, as is meet, Christ God has glorified you, O John.
Kontakion of St Paul (Fourth Tone)
On this day You have appeared
O faithful ones, let us all laud the divine Paul, the bright luminary that shone at the virtues' lofty height; and let us joyously cry aloud, "O Christ, You are the rejoicing of all the Saints".
Kontakion of St John (Second Tone)
You sought the heights
Since you desired a poverty like Christ's, O wise Father John, you forsake your parents' wealth; and while holding in your hands the most holy Gospel, O righteous one, you followed after Christ God while ceaselessly praying to Him for us all.